Rebecca Budig has elected to do what many suspected she would do from the start of her return and leave “All My Children” when her one-year contract expires in January.

Budig, of course, plays Greenlee Smythe on “AMC.” The Emmy nominated actress originated the role on August 11, 1999 and played the role until November 30, 2005. Budig elected to return to the soap with a one year contract on the heels of the 2007-2008 writers’ strike and made her “AMC” return on January 16, 2008 as “the real Greenlee” (noting ABC’s controversial promotional onslaught for the return of the popular actress). Sabine Singh played the second incarnation of Greenlee from April 2007 until the episode before Budig’s return.

During her two years away from “AMC,” Budig guest starred on CBS’s “CSI” and starred on a Lifetime movie titled “The Perfect Child;” she also had her hand on one or two prime-time pilots that failed to be picked up. Budig started her daytime career on CBS’s “Guiding Light,” as Michelle Bauer (1995 to 1998). The 35-year old actress is married to Bob Guiney, of ABC’s “The Bachelor” fame.

Meanwhile, Budig’s long time co-star and friend, Alicia Minshew (who plays Kendall Hart Slater), has re-signed with the soap. Minshew has been with “AMC” since January 8, 2002. Minshew will be taking time off from the soap (two months) later this fall when she marries her long-time boyfriend, Richie Herschenfeld.

“All My Children” air Weekdays on ABC. Weeknights on SOAPnet. Check local listings.